Books to Prisons Campaign
Did you know that most prisons don’t permit hardcover books? That means people inside often have to wait a year to access new releases—if they can access them at all.
That’s why I’m excited to share some good news: for the first time, Penguin Press and Penguin Random House will produce a special softcover edition of my upcoming book, The Jailhouse Lawyer, just for incarcerated readers. Even better, they’re donating the first 1,000 copies so the book can reach people in prison in a timely way.
Now, we’re asking for your help to double that number.
Together with Penguin Press, we’ve launched a matching campaign: for every 3 hardcover copies of The Jailhouse Lawyer you pre-order by June 24, they’ll donate 1 softcover to someone in prison. Our goal is to get another 1,000 books into the hands of incarcerated individuals.
Thanks to those who have already pledged their support, we’re already on our way.
Join the Campaign
Knowing how stories of survival helped me on the inside, I’m so happy The Jailhouse Lawyer will soon reach one of my most valued reading communities. If you’d like to get involved, here are a few ways you can contribute by the June 24 deadline:
Pre-order The Jailhouse Lawyer and send your purchase receipt to books@calvinduncan.com so we can “count” your contribution. Remember, for every 3 copies you order, one softcover will go to a prison or jail.
Pre-order 25 copies or more at Porchlight Book Company for a great discount (up to 43% off). Share your orders as a giveaway for your next conference, gala or fundraising event, as the title for your next book club, with your church, classroom, sports team, family, workplace—or donate them to others (see below). And if you’re a nonprofit, provide proof of your tax-exempt status and you won’t be charged sales tax. Contact our Campaign Director, Marly Williams, at books@calvinduncan.com for more information.
Donate to the campaign. Help us underwrite bulk purchases for formerly incarcerated individuals, community organizations, high school students, and other interested readers. If you’d like your copies to be directed to a specific group, let Marly know at books@calvinduncan.com.
Donate by mail: Print and submit this giving form with your check, credit card payment, or money order made payable to Loyola University New Orleans.
Donate online: Make a contribution here (select ‘Light of Justice Program’).
Spread the word. Alert your network with this Campaign Summary.
Since I don’t make TikTok videos, I’d love you to make one to help us reach people:
Re-share campaign posts @jailhouse_lawyer on Instagram & Facebook.
Post a photo with your purchase receipt and tag @jailhouse_lawyer and use #TheJailhouseLawyer, encouraging people to join the campaign.
Make a reel for Instagram or a video for TikTok sharing why you’re supporting the campaign. Use #TheJailhouseLawyer.
If you have any questions, ideas, or would like more information, please contact me (inquiries@calvinduncan.com) or Marly Williams (books@calvinduncan.com).
Thank you to our partners:
Together, I know we can make this a big success. Check back weekly for updates.